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2003
Fr. Lawrence E. Isenecker, SJ, 6/15/2003
Fr. Joseph F. Willmes, SJ, 4/18/2003
Fr. John H. Reinke, SJ, 2/26/2003
Fr. Stanley C. Tillman, SJ, 1/9/2003
Fr. F. Torrens Hecht, SJ, 1/6/2003

Fr. Lawrence E. Isenecker, SJ 79 6/15/2003 Genesys Medical Center, Grand Blanc, MI View and sign Fr. Isenecker's guestbook at legacy.com.

Fr. Lawrence E. Isenecker, SJ, 79, beloved Jesuit priest, longtime professor of mathematics at Xavier University, and author of multiple textbooks died Sunday June 15, 2003, at Genesys Medical Center in Grand Blanc, MI. Though he was unable to attend, Fr. Isenecker was honored at the Chicago Province ordination on Friday June 14, 2003, on the occasion of his 60th anniversary as a Jesuit.

Born in Cleveland, OH, in 1924, Fr. Isenecker moved with his family to Dayton, OH, where he attended Corpus Christi Grade School and Sacred Heart Latin before entering St. Gregory, the Cincinnati Archdiocesan Seminary in 1937. He studied there until 1943, when he entered the Jesuit novitiate at Milford, OH. During his studies to become a priest, Fr. Isenecker completed his A.B in Latin at Xavier University in 1946, and his M.S. in mathematics at Catholic University in Washington D.C. in 1954. He was ordained a priest at West Baden College in 1957.

His principal appointments as a Jesuit included teaching math at Loyola Academy from 1950-1952. During his various studies from 1955 to 1963, Fr. Isenecker also taught math in the summers at Loyola University Chicago at Xavier University. In 1963, after completing his Ph.D. in mathematics at Catholic University, he became a professor of math at Xavier University in Cincinnati, where he served for more than thirty years.

Fr. John P. Foley, SJ, president of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago was a student at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL, when Fr. Isenecker taught there. Fr. Foley recalls him as a shy but very kind Jesuit and teacher. "He loved golf," says Fr. Foley, "in fact, I can remember him coming up to the North Shore to play golf with some us who were students at Loyola." Fr. Foley and his classmates will celebrate their fiftieth high school reunion on June 21st. They had invited Fr. Isenecker to attend.

Fr. Paul J. Clifford, SJ, a spiritual director and pastoral minister at Colombiere Center, entered the Jesuit novitiate with Fr. Isenecker in 1943 and will give the homily at Fr. Isenecker's funeral mass on Friday. Fr. Clifford, who also served as Fr. Isenecker's superior at Cincinnati's Faber Jesuit Community from 1990-1996, says that Fr. Isenecker served with distinction as a professor at Xavier, authoring six textbooks in higher math during his thirty-three years there. He also points out that Fr. Isenecker was a bright man and a dedicated scholar. In addition to his mathematical expertise he was able to read Latin, French, Greek, German, and Italian. But, Fr. Clifford says, he'll be remembered more as a "very kind, very gentle, and very patient man. He was obviously a talented mathematician, but he did a wonderful job working with the slower students in the undergraduate school." Fr. Clifford says that, though quiet, Fr. Isenecker also had a "wonderful sense of humor. He loved telling jokes, but very often he'd be laughing so heartily that you couldn't even hear the punch line." He goes on to say that, as a Jesuit, "Fr. Isenecker was very sensitive to other people's feelings, and he delighted in reminding people of God's love for them."

Fr. Robert E. Beckman, SJ, founder of the Center for Ignatian Spirituality in Lima, Peru, entered the Jesuit novitiate on the same day as Fr. Isenecker and F. Clifford in 1953. They spent many years of their Jesuit formation together. In 1980, Fr. Beckman was appointed rector of Faber Jesuit Community in Cincinnati, where Fr. Isenecker lived. "Larry was quite a man," says Fr. Beckman. "He was a quiet person who did well what he was asked to do. He was always joyful. He didn't call attention to himself, and yet there was a good solid base there that spoke quietly, oftentimes without word, of goodness and friendship." Fr. Beckman last saw Fr. Isenecker about four years ago "I visited him at Colombiere," says Fr. Beckman. "We had a nice little chat. He said frequently people would come to the Jesuit community wanting someone to talk to, or to go confession. He told the folks at the front door that he was always there, and would be happy to speak to anybody. Many people came to him during those last few years -a steady flow, really. It was quiet ministry. There was no fanfare. He was there on call, to be with people in their needs, to hear their confessions, to give them inspiration. That's how he lived most of his life. He was very useful in a very quiet way."

Fr. Isenecker was a member of the American Mathematical Society, the Mathematical Association of America, and the scientific societies of Sigma Xi and Pi Mu Epsilon.

Fr. Isenecker is survived by his sister Mrs. Mary Ann (Eugene) Mauch of Dayton, OH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:

To make an online donation, click here.

Fr. Joseph F. Willmes, SJ 4/18/2003 Durlabji Hospital, Jaipur, India Sign Fr. Willmes's guest book on legacy.com

Fr. Joseph F. Willmes, SJ, 89, Newport KY native, Jesuit priest, teacher of acclaimed photographers, and beloved missionary to India, died Friday April 18, 2003, from complications resulting from cancer of the prostate at Durlabji Hospital in Jaipur, India.

Born in 1914 in Newport, KY, Fr. Willmes attended elementary school at St. Stephen's Parish before venturing across the river to St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, OH. Following his graduation in 1933, he enrolled at Xavier University and studied there for two years before entering the Jesuit novitiate at Milford, OH, in 1935.

During his studies to become a priest, Fr. Willmes completed an AB at Loyola University Chicago and then an MA in philosophy. From 1942 to 1945, he was assigned to his alma mater, St. Xavier High School, where he taught, directed the camera club, and coached the school's debate team. He completed his theology studies at West Baden College in West Baden Springs, IN, and was ordained there on June 19, 1948.

Soon after his ordination, Fr. Willmes was assigned to the Jesuit Mission in Patna, India. In those days, Jesuits assigned to international missions were assigned for life and rarely expected to return to the United States. Fr. Joe bade farewell to his older brother, Robert, a Jesuit stationed at St. Stanislaus in Cleveland, OH, and departed for India on September 20, 1949. He arrived there on October 20, and immediately began Hindi language studies. In 1950 he was assigned to the burgeoning church in Chakni, a village in the northern Indian state of Bihar, where he served as co-pastor, working both in the Church and school. Two years later, in 1952, he was assigned to the new Jesuit school, St. Xavier's, in Jaipur, India, hundreds of miles west of Patna.

From 1952 to 1959, Fr. Willmes served as teacher and hostel superintendent at St. Xavier's boarding school. In 1959 he returned to Patna, where he became rector at St. Xavier's Patna, but returned in 1960 to St. Xavier's Jaipur, where he was appointed rector. In 1966 he was once again appointed hostel superintendent, and served in that capacity until 1976, when he was appointed treasurer and assistant headmaster at St. Xavier's Delhi. He remained there until 1982, when he returned to Jaipur for what would prove to be his final assignment as minister of the Jesuit community and house treasurer.

Fr. Jerry Drinane, SJ, a long-time Jesuit missionary to Patna, India who worked for years in the Provincial's office there, says Fr. Willmes was, in many ways, a model Jesuit. "Joe was a very disciplined person in his own religious life and duties. He was faithful and regular in all his routines and habits. In short, he was an excellent role model for his fellow Jesuits and the students under his care. At the same time, he wasn't rigid or cold-- quite the opposite. He was a very genial, friendly and warm person. He had a delightful smile for all."

Growing up in the Cincinnati area, Fr. Willmes was an avid amateur photographer. When filling out a biographical data sheet for superiors soon after he arrived in India, he said he'd welcome an opportunity to serve through photography, but that he had no equipment. Despite this he soon began teaching photography to students at St. Xavier's, and continued to do so until just before his death. Many of his students went on to become celebrated professional photographers, and one of them, Ragubhir Singh, has gone on to achieve international fame for his work, much of which is in the permanent collections of major U.S. museums. Singh also published a number of books, most notably, River of Color, The Ganges, and Grand Trunk Road. Fr. Willmes himself took pictures all his life and his work can be seen in various Jesuit communities and institutions in India.

Fr. Bob Hagee, SJ, pastoral minister at Cincinnati's Faber Jesuit Community, was assigned to St. Xavier's in Jaipur from 1980 to 1990. He recalls Fr. Willmes as "an extraordinarily gentle man who was friendly with everybody." He also said Fr. Willmes was revered by students and alums of St. Xavier's who regularly came back to visit and kept in touch years after they'd graduated.

Fr. Joseph Mannaravelil, SJ, superior of the Delhi Region of the Society of Jesus, reported that Fr. Willmes's funeral Mass on Sunday, April 20, was celebrated by the Bishop of Ajmer and some 20 concelebrating priests, and was attended by a large crowd of Catholics and non-Catholics. "Fr. Willmes was a source of inspiration to all who came into contact with him," Fr. Mannaravelil said. "He loved the Society and he loved the people of India. He never complained about anybody or anything, a great saint."

Fr. Willmes's niece, Marian Ochs, says her family believes Fr. Willmes "is a saint in heaven." She adds that he was "gentle, quiet, and unassuming, and always very interested in other people; our family and his students. One of the Jesuits in India told us that even in his last days Fr. Joe was asking about the students and about the field trip they'd just taken. He was the same way with our family. He kept in touch with us all, even from India."

Fr. Willmes is survived by two nieces: Marian (Gene) Ochs, of Cincinnati, OH, and Sr. Margery Rickiing, SJW, of Walton, KY, and a nephew: Donald (Pat) Rickling of Miramar, FL, and nine great nieces and nephews. His older brother Robert, also a Jesuit priest, died March 1, 2002.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:

To make an online donation, click here.

Fr. John H. Reinke, SJ 2/26/2003 Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL Sign Fr. Reinke's guest book on legacy.com

Fr. John H. Reinke, SJ, Jesuit priest, Loyola Academy president, Loyola University chancellor, professor of psychology, and accomplished pianist died Wednesday February 26, 2003, at the Jesuit Residence of the Loyola University Jesuit Community in Chicago, IL. He died as a result of renal failure.

Born in Covington, KY, in 1915, Fr. Reinke attended the local La Salette Academy grade school before moving on to St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, OH. Soon after his graduation in 1932 he entered the Chicago Province Jesuit novitiate at Milford, OH. He later completed an A.B. in Greek at Loyola University Chicago in 1937. In 1942, during his studies to become a priest, Fr. Reinke completed an M.A. in Greek with a minor in Latin at Loyola University Chicago. He was ordained a Catholic priest at West Baden College on June 13, 1945.

Fr. Reinke's principal appointments as a Jesuit included teaching Latin, Greek, and English at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL, from 1939-1942; in 1947 he became an instructor in psychology at Loyola University Chicago and remained there until 1954 when he was hired as an assistant professor of psychology at Xavier University in Cincinnati. In 1959 Fr. Reinke was assigned to Loyola Academy, where he served one year as Spanish teacher and director of guidance before becoming principal in 1960.

In 1965 he was appointed president at Loyola Academy, a position he held until 1970 when he became an advisor on secondary education to the Chicago Province. During his tenure as president, Fr. Reinke systematized the fund raising efforts by bringing a university-style fund-raising program to the burgeoning high school. He developed an annual fund and endowment that have helped Loyola remain on sound financial footing for the past 35 years. In 1969, after reading an article in Time Magazine about an innovative fundraiser, Fr. Reinke traveled to Seattle, WA, to investigate an auction program created by Jay Friedlander. Fr. Reinke adapted the format to Loyola Academy and in 1970 hosted the school's first annual Ramble fundraiser. The Ramble has since continued uninterrupted and regularly nets more than $300,000 for the school. While president of Loyola, Fr. Reinke was also instrumental in creating the Jesuit Secondary Education Association (JSEA) out of the fledgling Jesuit Education Association. Fr. Reinke was one of three who penned the preamble to the constitution of the JSEA which has since become a national association offering critical support to the 46 Jesuit high schools in the United States. From 1970-1975 he also served on the board of the Jesuit Secondary Education Association in Washington D.C.

In 1975 Fr. Reinke returned to Loyola University where he served as vice chancellor for a year before being appointed chancellor of the university, a position he held until 1986 when he became chancellor emeritus. As chancellor Fr. Reinke and development director, Dan Conroyd, were responsible for the university's substantial development and public relations efforts. Fr. Ray Baumhart, SJ, who served as president of Loyola University from 1970-1993 said Fr. Reinke "served well" as chancellor and that "he gets some of the credit for the many years when Loyola was doing so well financially." In 1997 Fr. Reinke became minister of the Jesuit Residence community at Loyola University, a post he held happily until falling ill in late January. Fr. Baumhart said these were happy years for Fr. Reinke who remained "sensitive to the wants and needs of others even when he was well past 80."

Fr. Reinke was an accomplished pianist and during his years at Xavier University he performed a solo with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, playing Gershwin's Concerto in F and the Rhapsody in Blue. A close friend of Bob Hope and his wife Dorothy, Fr. Reinke recently played the piano in their home. In the early years of television he created and hosted a variety show on local TV in Cincinnati featuring XU students and faculty and other community talent. As a young Jesuit he wrote and arranged music with Fr. Daniel Lord, SJ, for musical pageants and countless Jesuit events. Fr. Reinke was a member of the American Catholic Psychological Association and the National Association for Music Therapy.

Fr. John Dillon, SJ, executive director at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House, was Fr. Reinke's spiritual director, confessor, and close friend and will preside at his funeral. "He's a great man," Fr. Dillon said. "He's had many many wonderful achievements. He loved people very deeply. He expressed his love and affection for others through his service." Fr. Dillon spent many hours with Fr. Reinke as he neared death. During that time Fr. Dillon reported that Fr. Reinke said to him "you're one guy who knows me pretty well. Please tell everyone I valued their love."

Mr. John Dowdle, a 1941 graduate of Loyola Academy, met Fr. Reinke when he first arrived at Loyola in 1939 to begin teaching as a Jesuit scholastic. "He was a wonderful teacher and friend," Dowdle says. They've remained close since. Every year at Christmas Fr. Reinke gathered with Dowdle and a group of his Loyola classmates to celebrate Mass. While Fr. Reinke was president, Loyola Academy made the transition to a lay Board of Trustees and Dowdle served as chairman of the original Board. "He was a happy man," Dowdle says, "a beautiful person dedicated to the education of Catholic youth."

Fr. Reinke is survived by nieces Kathryn Weedon (Gerald), Anne Albanese (Carl), Sharon TenHoopen (Roger), brother-in-law Cyril Kothman, six grandnieces, and three grandnephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:

To make an online donation, click here.

Fr. Stanley C. Tillman, SJ 1/9/2003 Genesys Hospital Grand Blanc, MI Sign Fr. Tillman's guest book on legacy.com

Fr. Stanley C. Tillman, SJ, 88, Jesuit priest, long time Xavier University philosophy professor and Kentucky parish priest died January 9, 2003, at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, MI.

Born in Newport, KY, in 1914, Fr. Tillman attended St. Xavier High School and entered the Society of Jesus in 1932, soon after his graduation. During his studies to become a priest he completed his AB in Greek, Latin, and English in 1937 at Xavier University, and went on to earn his MA in Greek from Loyola University Chicago in 1942. He was ordained a priest in 1945 at West Baden, IN. In 1954 he earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO.

His principal appointments as a Jesuit included teaching in Jesuit high schools and universities, and serving in various parishes in Kentucky. From 1939 to 1942, Fr. Tillman taught at University of Detroit High School and at Loyola Academy in Chicago. In 1947, after his ordination, he was invited to teach philosophy at Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, IL. In 1953 he came to Xavier University as professor of philosophy, and the following year was appointed chair of the philosophy department, a position he held until he departed Xavier for Loyola University Chicago in 1962. He taught philosophy at Loyola's Chicago campus for two years and then taught for two years at Loyola U's Rome Center. In 1966 Fr. Tillman returned to Xavier University, where he remained a professor of philosophy until 1985.

Fr. Walt Bado, SJ, who served with Fr. Tillman in Xavier's philosophy department, says "Stan was a beloved professor. He was an excellent teacher, a very demanding teacher, but his students did well and had great respect for him." Fr. Bado adds that one of Fr. Tillman's crowning achievements came outside the classroom when he arranged a series of retreats to the Holy Land for Jesuit priests and brothers. "He did everything: arranged lodging, flights, and all the other details, and prepared a program based on the Spiritual Exercises." The retreats, which Fr. Tillman ran for more than ten years during Xavier's summer breaks, were a time of profound learning and reflection for all involved, according to Fr. Bado.

"I see a real thread in my memories of him," says Fr. Hank Kenney, SJ, another former colleague from Xavier and a fellow member of the Jesuit Mission in Kentucky. "He was passionate and enthusiastic about every part of his life. He had great passion for what he was teaching. If it was Thomas Aquinas, then nothing bigger or better would be coming down the pike. He had the same passion for the students he taught, and for the parishes he served in his declining years. He loved the work there. He could always see the sunny side of things and the good in people."

Fr. Frank Oppenheim, SJ, professor of philosophy at Xavier today, echoes these sentiments when he says Fr. Tillman was "an excellent teacher. He engaged his students directly and personally. He was a bit of a bulldog, a teacher who challenged students to meet deep questions and think about them. His personality was all over the room. Pedagogy was his gift."

In 1985 Fr. Tillman retired from teaching at Xavier and moved to Murray, KY, where he served as pastor of St. Leo Church and as campus minister at Murray State University, as part of an initiative led by then provincial Fr. Leo Klein, SJ, to expand beyond the usual ministries in high schools, Jesuit universities, and Jesuit parishes. Stan was 71 then, Fr. Klein recalls, the age when a lot of people retire completely. He could've said No, I'd rather just retire at Xaiver, but instead he packed up to go to Kentucky to start a new Jesuit mission. He was willing to serve in any way he could. In 1992 he went to Barbourville, KY, where he served as administrator of St. Gregory's parish. While there he helped rebuild the church and also its surrounding buildings, which are once again in use after many years in disrepair. Fr. Tillman flourished in the parish environment and became much loved by the congregations in both churches before retiring to the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, MI, where he resided until the time of his death. Fr. Tillman celebrated his 70th anniversary as a Jesuit in 2002.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:

To make an online donation, click here.

Fr. F. Torrens Hecht, SJ 1/6/2003 Colombiere Center Clarkston, MI Sign Fr. Hecht's guest book on legacy.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:

To make an online donation, click here.